Roster Moves
WFAN is reporting the Yankees have brought Giambi back and activated Chamberlain for tonight's game. Miguel Cairo has been DFA and Bruney sent to Scranton.
It is encouraging to see Cairo sent away because as much as people loved him, he just wasn't good enough with the bat to stay on the roster. .252./.308/.318 is just not major-league level numbers. Yes, he could play defense and steal a base, but that was not enough to keep his job.
The thing that will be interesting to see is how Torre mixes in all his weapons now. Duncan has shown great power and should get shots when a lefty pitches. Betemit has looked good so far and can help some of the infielders get a day off now and then. The big problem will be the DH spot. Torre said yesterday that Cabrera is "our centerfielder" which means Damon and Giambi are going to share a position. Giambi got hurt playing first, so I don't see him in the field anytime soon and Damon hasn't been put back at first in a couple of months. Andy Phillips has been solid, but .291/.333./.396 isn't enough production at first, so trying Damon there again seems to make sense. (Then again, Damon's numbers this year are worse than Phillips')
Keeping Giambi and Damon happy is going to be a struggle, but it is a much better situation than the lack of a bench the Yankees had at the start of the year.
As for Bruney, the Yankees should see if Nardi Contreras can work some magic on him. Maybe he truly can't throw strikes consistently, but the Yankees have to do everything they can to help him. He certainly has the arm to be a big part of the bullpen.
Comments
Roger Clemens stepped up today, not only pitching a great game but also retaliating for A-Rod being hit. As amazing as it sounds, a 45 year old and a 21 year old pitched great in the same game.
Meanwhile, Brower has not looked very good in his two outings. Do you think the Yankees will call up Chris Britton now that he's off the DL at Scranton?
Posted by: Tyler![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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August 7, 2007 10:30 PM
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Tyler - I couldn't agree with you more.
Clemens looked great. I was really, really concerned about him after his recent struggles, but he proved my doubts about him for tonght's game - wrong!
And Joba? Wow !!!
Brower looks really tentative out there. Not good.
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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August 7, 2007 10:49 PM
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Tyler-
Yeah, Roger did what needed to be done.
My guess is Ramirez will be back soon and Brower will be gone- unless they figure out a way to dispose of Farnsworth without giving him away (Good luck, Brian!)
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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August 7, 2007 11:26 PM
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I think if they could have gotten rid of Farnsworth they would have. I think that Farnsworth has no chance of being on the playoff roster though.
You raise a great point re: Phillips/Damon. (1) Offensively, Damon v. Phillips production wise (this year) isn't too different except for Damon's knack for seeing tons of pitches. (2) Defensively, I bet Damon is a liablility.
Best guess, platoon them for the remainder of the season and if that doesn't work, go with the hot hand. What they do in 2008, I have no idea.
It's nice to have a bench now. Betemit, Damon, Duncan, Molina. Right and left handed power and speed. Depth at every position.
Posted by: tim | August 8, 2007 06:28 AM |
I know Ramirez is dominating at AAA, but what's with all of the confidence in him that everyone has? Britton on the other hand has proven that he can be a solid reliever in the AL East. I think that's much more important than someone who is pitching lights out for the first time in their professional career.
Posted by: Tripp | August 8, 2007 08:00 AM |
I agree Tripp. but Britton was hurt in July and hasn't pitched well. I thnk they are going to wait for him to get back into form before trying him out at the big league level.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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August 8, 2007 01:02 PM
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